Numerous gaming sites have posted the rumored April PS3 price cuts based on MS and Pachter's analyses.  Do you think this coverage could hurt pre-April sales of the PS3 because potential customers put off their purchase to save $100?

Most likely, but it is will be so small to even notice it.

The rumors wouldn't affect it too greatly. And just because I love the console so much, I can say it.

"The sales can't get much lower than they are anyway right? :P"

I'm not too sure how many people looking to buy a ps3 in the near future are aware of these rumours, my guess would be a fairly limited number.

I don't think there is really any evidence that this has had any effect in the past. It was confirmed last year that the 360 would have a price drop and it didn't have a noticeable effect on sales. Japan is another beast, 360 sales went below 1k before getting a huge boost, ps3 sales also slowly died to 3k before getting a big boost from bundles (not lower price but better value).

The 360 did not sell very well, in 2008, prior to its first 2008 price cut.  I don't know if the poor sales were caused by price cut rumors or other factors.  Both PS3 and 360 sales in Japan were boosted with software titles, not bundles.

@johnsobas - Very informative. I did not realize the region played so heavily into the equation.

Yes, it would be a very limited number.

April is still far away, so there's plenty of time for the rumors to spread and perhaps hurt sales.

On the other hand, I expect these rumors to die down once Sony posts their financial results and details what they're going to do to escape the recession. Once people understand how serious the situation is, only the most delusional will still predict a $100 price cut in April.

yes because everyone reads internet gaming rumors.